What is an average typing speed?
Generally, a typing speed of 40 WPM (Words Per Minute) is considered an average typing speed. An average speed should not be confused with a "minimum speed" that some employers may use as a job requirement - an applicant must exceed the stated minimum speed. Some office jobs may have a higher minimum typing speed requirement than the standard "average" typing speed.

What is a good typing speed?
A typing speed above 40 WPM (Words Per Minute) is higher than the average score, and over 100 WPM is usually considered a high speed (when it is achieved with zero errors).

Why are errors during typing bad?
An error is a mistake, and making mistakes in typed correspondence is frowned upon by employers. Just typing fast is not enough, the accuracy of the typist is equally important. The time wasted making corrections from excessive errors far outweighs any advantage from typing that document faster. In a typing test, the test taker is penalized by deducting one WPM per error. It is therefore more productive to correct errors with the backspace key immediately, rather than rushing through the typing exercise just to beat the clock.